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Christmas 1979

Grace Dent explores how well the televisual fare of Christmas 1979 compares to what we enjoy today, 40 years on.

Join Grace Dent on a televisual trip back in time to Christmas 1979 as she immerses herself in the sights, sounds and schedules of 40 years ago. As well as exploring what the nation鈥檚 viewers enjoyed watching on the box of delights, Grace sees if she can beat the year鈥檚 Mastermind grand finalist, and how well she fares on the Generation Game鈥檚 famous conveyor belt game.

With the 1970s a much-maligned period, it鈥檚 a surprise to find that the festive fortnight鈥檚 top shows had women winning when it came to seasonal goodwill. Penelope Keith and Wendy Craig led the way in sitcoms, Barbara Woodhouse had everyone on their best behaviour, and the most exciting music shows featured classic performances from Kate Bush and Debbie Harry鈥檚 Blondie. It was also the year that Tommy Cooper nearly killed off Michael Parkinson on live television, and The Black Stuff boys first went job hunting.

Of course, not all of Auntie Beeb鈥檚 programme presents stand the test of time quite so well. Basil Brush has a bizarre duet with Sasha Distel, Kenny Everett鈥檚 Blankety Blank appearance is far from being in the best possible taste, and the 主播大秀鈥檚 female children鈥檚 presenters put dignity to one side as they compete in a beauty contest featuring high kicks and sparkling leotards.

59 minutes

Last on

Wed 20 Dec 2023 01:25
主播大秀 Four

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Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:04

    Blondie

    Dreaming (Bbc Session)

  • 00:07

    Kenny G

    Forever In Love

  • 00:11

    Johnny Pearson

    All Creatures Great And Small

  • 00:14

    Cliff Richard

    Hot Shot聽

  • 00:14

    Cat Stevens

    I Love My Dog

  • 00:20

    The Neil Richardson Orchestra

    Mastermind

  • 00:21

    The Neil Richardson Orchestra

    Mastermind

  • 00:28

    The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Theme and Chase

  • 00:29

    Kate Bush

    Violin

  • 00:57

    Kate Bush

    December Will Be Magic Again

Credits

Presenter Grace Dent
Series Producer Simon Goretzki
Producer Simon Catt
Executive Producer Vicky Eck

Broadcasts